Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

What is Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation?

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the University of Wisconsin-Madison through funding research and acquiring patents for the university's discoveries. Established in 1925 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, the foundation engages in patenting the innovations of UW-Madison researchers and licensing these technologies to prominent companies locally, nationally, and globally.

By doing so, WARF plays a pivotal role in translating academic research into practical applications, thereby benefiting society at large. The organization distributes income from commercial licensing to the university, the inventors, and their respective departments, fostering a cycle of innovation and growth.

WARF actively invests in various sectors, including AgroTech, Energy, CleanTech, Medical Devices (& Hospital Services), and DeepTech, with a broader focus on Healthcare (& Wellness). A specialized aspect of WARF’s operations is strategic growth through acquisitions, which enables the foundation to expand business operations and magnify its impact.

They also operate the WARF Accelerator, WARF Therapeutics, and WARF Ventures, initiatives designed to streamline the development process and support UW-Madison technology startups. With over 2,200 active issued U.S. patents and $4.5 billion in cumulative inflation-adjusted grants to UW-Madison and the Morgridge Institute since inception, WARF is deeply embedded in the framework of innovation at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The foundation is also involved in a variety of programs and events, including the WARF Essential Topics series, which educates on how university lab discoveries become impactful products.

They celebrate innovation through the WARF Innovation Awards and engage with the community via outreach and educational events.